Trilateral partnership with Universidad Latina de América and Quadratín Hispano will advance journalism, research, media innovation, and cross-cultural understanding across the Americas
JERSEY CITY, N.J. – September 21, 2026 – Saint Peter’s University has announced the creation of the Inter-American Institute for Communication and Culture (IICC) (Instituto Interamericano de Comunicación y Cultura), a new trilateral partnership bringing together Saint Peter’s University (SPU), Universidad Latina de América (UNLA) in Mexico and Quadratín Hispano, a bilingual media organization operating in the United States, founded as an extension of Quadratín México, its originating media organization and founding partner.
The IICC will establish a collaborative model connecting higher education and the professional media industry across national borders. Through this partnership, faculty, students, journalists, researchers and civic leaders will work together to examine the diverse economic, social, technological and political issues shaping the United States, Mexico, and the broader Americas.
By integrating academic excellence, professional newsroom expertise, and collaborative research, the IICC will support the preparation of bilingual and bicultural leaders, will produce impactful investigative reporting, strengthen democratic discourse, and build enduring partnerships that advance understanding throughout the Americas.
“SPU is proud to help pioneer a new model of collaboration across the Americas, one that brings together a U.S. Jesuit Catholic university, a Mexican university, and a leading bilingual media organization in a permanent ecosystem dedicated to truth, human dignity, and the common good,” said President Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D. “What makes this model distinctive is its deliberate integration of academic, business, media, and civic perspectives across borders. The IICC leans into sustained collaboration, creating an innovative approach to education, research, and service that moves beyond traditional academic partnerships”.
As a founding industry partner, Quadratín Hispano will provide opportunities for experiential learning while collaborating with the Institute on investigative journalism, newsroom innovation, media partnerships, content distribution, and professional development. The partnership will also connect the Institute’s academic work with audiences beyond the university and create opportunities for students and emerging professionals to engage directly with experienced journalists.
Universidad Latina de América, based in Morelia, Michoacán, will contribute its academic expertise and international perspective, strengthening opportunities for cross-border research, educational programming and collaboration between scholars and practitioners.
Saint Peter’s will bring to the partnership its longstanding Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, ethical leadership, global engagement and commitment to educating students for lives of service and leadership.
“We are proud to join the Institute as a founding industry partner, an opportunity that represents a new chapter for Quadratín Hispano and a first for our organization,” said Leo Espinoza, President of Quadratín Hispano. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to contribute directly to the education and professional development of the next generation of journalists, communicators, and media leaders while sharing the practical knowledge and experience of a working newsroom”
The Institute will be guided by principles of journalistic integrity, academic excellence, democratic values and cross-cultural understanding. Its work will emphasize evidence-based research, responsible reporting and human-centered storytelling, with the goal of strengthening public dialogue and developing new approaches to communication and media collaboration.
“This Institute represents an important expression of UNLA’s commitment to internationalization and to creating meaningful educational opportunities that connect our students and faculty with institutions, professionals, and communities beyond Mexico,” said Professor Jesus Vivanco, President/Rector of the UNLA. “Our participation reflects UNLA’s mission to form people with strong professional preparation, respect for diversity, and a deep commitment to their communities”
The IICC will also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience working alongside professional journalists and researchers, while giving media professionals and organizations access to academic expertise, emerging talent and innovative approaches to journalism and communication.
Through its trilateral structure, the Inter-American Institute for Communication and Culture seeks to build a lasting network connecting universities, journalists, researchers and civic leaders across the United States and Mexico and, ultimately, throughout the Americas.
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About Saint Peter’s University
For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit www.saintpeters.edu.
About Universidad Latina de América
Universidad Latina de América (UNLA) is a private university located in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, offering academic programs designed to prepare students for professional success and responsible citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.
About Quadratín Hispano
Quadratín Hispano is a bilingual media organization serving audiences in the United States and Mexico. As a founding industry partner of the Inter-American Institute for Communication and Culture, Quadratín Hispano will contribute professional expertise in journalism, newsroom innovation, content distribution and media partnerships.